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Michigan State Football: Spartans announce 2016 recruiting class

By Brandan Blom

Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State players celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes during in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State players celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes during in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who did Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans add to the program in their 2016 recruiting class?

The Michigan State football program has enjoyed five 10-plus win seasons in the past six years as they ascend to the top of the college football world. Last season Michigan State appeared in the college football playoff for the first time after winning the Big Ten Conference.

Related Story: 20 Most Hyped Recruits of All-Time

The Spartans have achieved their recent success without having a top 20 recruit class in the past six seasons. (21st in 2010 and 22nd in 2015) Instead of getting the best talent Michigan State relied on good coaching and veteran players to achieve their success.

This season, however, Michigan State is making a splash in the recruiting world. The Spartans currently have the No. 13 class in the nation and the third-best in the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans class is highlighted by strong-side defensive end Josh King, No. 6 in his position, and weak-side defensive end Auston Robertson, No. 9 at his position.

The two defensive ends will have their shot at earning playing time next season as redshirt seniors Shilique Calhoun and Lawrence Thomas are both out of eligibility.

Other players who could have an early impact are receiver Donnie Corley, center Matthew Allen, and tackle Thiyo Lukusa. Michigan State is losing three senior receivers from last season’s team. Their departure could open a spot for Corley, the No. 15 receiver in his class. The Spartans also lost three senior offensive linemen. Michigan State had five junior linemen listed on their two-deep depth chart for 2015 and assuming they fill the spots left by the graduating seniors Allen and Lukusa might emerge as the backups.

Obviously the newcomers will have to win the job on the practice field before they can contribute in games; but it is hard to look at all of the talent the Spartans are bringing in and not think they will have an immediate impact.

Will the Michigan State recruiting class be talented enough to compete with Ohio State and Michigan for Big Ten supremacy?

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